Sleeping Apnea

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Is there anyway to test for sleep apnea without sleeping over somewhere?
   I can't do the sleeping over bit due to agoraphobia, but my roommate said I stop breathing at night and last time I went to my doctor she mentioned that I might have apnea. So is there a test that doesn't involve sleeping somewhere?

   • ANSWER:
     No.

2. QUESTION:
   Is there any prescribed sleeping medication that can be used if you have obstructive sleep apnea?
   I use bi-pap, but am still unable to sleep. I thought I read somewhere that there is a prescription sleeping pill that is safe for peopel with obstuctive sleep apnea to use.

   • ANSWER:
     Yes, there are prescription sleeping pills that are safe for people with OSA. If you have worries b/c you feel that if you sleep too hard that you might have an apnea and not wake yourself up as long as you are using your bi-pap, theres no worry. Sleep well tonight, live well tomorrow. See your sleep doctor or regular. There is many different kinds of sleep aids as well.

3. QUESTION:
   Can sleep apnea make me so tired that I feel like sleeping 20 hours a day?
   There were 2 days in the past few months when I slept for 20 hours Was that because of the sleep apnea?

   • ANSWER:
     If you have sleep apnea and it is not being treated properly, then yes.

4. QUESTION:
   Does sleeping in a room without an Air Conditioner in hot weather make it hard for someone with Sleep Apnea?
   to get a good nights sleep?

   I know Sleep Apnea makes it hard for someone to get a good nights sleep.

   But does
   Sleep Apnea + no Air Conditioner + Hot weather
   make it HARDER
   for someone to get a good nights sleep?

   • ANSWER:
     yes

5. QUESTION:
   Why am I taking breathes and waking myself up while sleeping? I did a sleep lab and sleep apnea was ruled out?
   But I constantly wake up gasping for air.
   Why?

   • ANSWER:
     Sometimes people have what is called sleep onset central apneas. But I would think your sleep lab would have picked up on that. What happens is you actually hold your breath upon falling to sleep and you wake up gasping. Its not the same as sleep apnea. Central apneas are not obstructive, they are caused by lack of brain signal to take a breath. If bad enough the treatments are the same as for sleep apnea. But some people only do them in the lighter stages of sleep or while they are falling to sleep causing them to arouse and take a deep breath. I would check with your sleep lab about it. Otherwise I would say it could be anxiety related. Not sure. But good luck in whatever you find out.

6. QUESTION:
   I have asthma and sleep apnea, I have been having trouble sleeping?
   on my CPAP machine and I get my care at the Veteran's hospital. Should have them put me on oxygen at night, my asthma is severe now and they are trying to get me on the zolaire shot.

   • ANSWER:

7. QUESTION:
   If someone with sleep apnea takes a sleeping pill, will he sleep longer with the airway closed?
   and cause more damage from lack of oxygen?

   • ANSWER:
     Both my mother and my husband have sleep apnea. It killed my mother at 61 and before my husband was diagnosed he was taking sleeping pills and had a stroke at the age of 30 because his oxygen level dropped. It took 5 years and almost dieing for the doctors to diagnose the problem. He was told very specifically to not use sleeping pills because if the is a problem and he can't wake up it can KILL HIM! please be cautious in using any substance that artificially controls sleep if u are not in a medical setting.

8. QUESTION:
   How to prevent sleeping apnea?
   Hi,

   How can I prevent sleeping apnea? I can't sleep at night... horrible

   • ANSWER:
     Hello Peter,

     what a simple and short question you put here! But the answer is not so simple. Maybe I can help you a little bit. Here are some behavioral treatments for a sleep apnea patient:

     * try sleeping on your side rather than sleeping on your back as it can produces loud snores because of blockages.

     * elevate the head when you sleep. This measure can alleviate snoring and make breathing easier.

     * Use an air humidifier at nighttime to make the air moister.

     * don't smoke for at leas several hours prior to bedtime. Doing so, the smoke can cause the airways to tighten in the neck, worsening sleep apnea.

     * maintain regular sleep hours. In my case, I had to quit my shift work job, to have a normal sleep.

     * use a nasal dilator, saline nasal spray or breathe right strips to help open nasal passages.

     I hope it helps!

9. QUESTION:
   Does sleeping in a hot and humid place increase my sleep apnea problem?

   • ANSWER:

10. QUESTION:
    Do any of you have sleeping problems like sleep apnea or insomnia. What do you do to fall asleep.?

    • ANSWER:
      I used to have a lot of trouble falling asleep but I don't anymore. The main thing I do is have a bedtime routine. About an hour before I want to go to sleep I get ready for bed and do relaxing things (like reading) and get away from the computer and tv. My body knows the signals for falling asleep now and so it can do it.

11. QUESTION:
    Is it dangerous to take sleeping pills if you have sleep apnea

    • ANSWER:
      YES! Sleeping pills depress the central nervous system.. This includes the respiratory system. If you're respiration during sleep is already impaired because of apnea depressing the full system further with sleep medication can be VERY dangerous.

12. QUESTION:
    Sleep Apnea is a pause of sleep during sleeping, does it have any effects or connection to Stroke?

    • ANSWER:
      According to the American Stroke Association, there is indeed a link between obstructive sleep apnea and stroke, and I have given a relevant reference below.

      There is also a major and important relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and sudden, unexpected death. Affected persons have an oval, rather than round, trachea, and when they are lying down, their large airways are more likely to collapse, blocking the airway. This blockage results in the accumulation of carbon dioxide, the depletion of oxygen, and the slowing of the heart.

      Videos taken in sleep laboratories of persons with obstructive sleep apnea show the victims struggling to breathe during episodes of obstruction, and these episodes can be alarmingly long. They are also disturbing to watch, since the victim is not awake nor aware of the ongoing struggle to breathe. The mechanism of sudden death is most likely related to the victim not getting relief from the airway obstruction before a cardiac arrest occurs.

      Victims of obstructive sleep apnea usually do not get enough rest while they sleep, since the obstruction interferes with REM sleep.

      The most widely accepted treatment is to use a CPAP (continuous positive pressure airway) machine with an airtube and a tight-fitting mask that covers the nose and mouth. The machine maintains a positive airway pressure sufficient to prevent the collapse of the trachea, preventing the obstructive anea. These machines greatly improve the quality of rest, and of life in general, for victims of obstructive sleep apnea, and greatly reduce the likelihood of sudden death during sleep.

13. QUESTION:
    babies with sleep apnea caused by sleeping with fans?
    My husband told me that he read somewhere that if babies sleep with fans all the time or a lot that it will cause them to have sleep apnea. Is this true?

    • ANSWER:
      Fans don't cause sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is either caused by a blockage in the throat (obstructive sleep apnea), a neurological disorder (central sleep apnea), or a combination of the two (mixed apnea). If anything, a fan may give an infant too much air, making it difficult or impossible to breathe against. But, that is definitely not sleep apnea.

14. QUESTION:
    Sleep Apnea or Sleeping Paralysis? which one is it?
    I dont know from which 1 im suffering but this is what happens

    I close my eyes, i cant breath, i cant move, i cant open my eyes BUT IM AWAKE!
    no i do not see demons and all that crap, i dont feel anything touching me its just that i cant open my eyes i cant move or breath FOR ABOUT 10 - 15 SECONDS

    is it Sleep Apnea or Sleeping Paralysis?

    • ANSWER:
      Sounds like sleep paralysis. Hallucinations can occur during sleep paralysis, however they are not always present. What generally happens is you are alert and conscious, but your body continues to act as though you are asleep, and does not respond properly.

      Edit: Difficulty breathing is a common effect during sleep paralysis. People who undergo sleep paralysis often describe a "weight on their chest" making it hard to breathe, although I have never experienced this.

15. QUESTION:
    how do i deal with sleeping apnea
    im very healthy i exercise 30 mins a day im 15 and i weight 110lbs and my height is 5 ft 2 in. so losing weight is not recomendable for sleeping apnea. during the night i stop breathing and this causes me to wake up. i try sleeping on my sides but during the night i forget and i end up sleeping face up??another question is it recommendable if i sleep face down? how can i deal with sleeping apnea by myself?

    btw i have an appointment in 2 weeks so i just wanna know how to deal with it meanwhile.

    • ANSWER:
      I have found that sleeping in a more or less sitting position in my recliner does the trick for me. I have sleep apnea and have been using a CPAP machine for several years. A couple of times, my machine broke down and I could barely sleep unless I sat up. I hope you get relief soon.

16. QUESTION:
    whats is the best cpap machine for sleeping apnea problem?
    i have about 15 to 20 stop bteathe in an hour. thanks you all for helping me

    • ANSWER:
      I use the Resmed - it's very good - very quiet, get the humidifier attachment and the gel mask. The humidifier tank detaches and is easy to fill and clean (a lot of them are difficult to clean).

      http://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/resmed-s8-autoset-II-cpap-machine.html

17. QUESTION:
    I am having weird sleeping problems? It's not sleep apnea so what is it?
    k so basically this has been going on for about 2 and a half years. When i sleep i wake up but its only mentally, i cant physically move at all. also my heart rate beats faster than normal. It's not a dream or anything. It's just odd to me and it seems to happen when my head isn't supported and my head arched back. This im pretty sure isnt deadly at all but its kinda getting on my nerves because it happens maybe twice every week. Please help!

    • ANSWER:
      Yes this is not sleep apnea. You have to go to polysomnographist, they help you treat your sleeping problems. Better be sure of what you're feeling.

      http://www.cpapclinic.ca

18. QUESTION:
    Is it possible to have sleep apnea and insomnia at the same time?
    I have been suffering with sleep apnea for months now. After waiting three stressful weeks for the machine to arrive, I used it but only managed to get 3 hours of sleep. I also noticed, that before I had the machine my average time spent sleeping decreased. Tonight I am fully awake and I cannot sleep at all. Is it possible to have sleep apnea and insomnia together? I have serious depression already, so I think that this is a logical explanation. What do I do?

    • ANSWER:
      Your not alone friend. I have both as you do and what I suggest is now that you have the machine, you go to your doctor and get a sleep aid that can be accompanied by an antihistamene. Let me tell you I am on Trazadone for sleep and hydroxyzine which is the antihistamene. Together they work wondurfully. Also you may be overweight which many are who have apnea. Try not to drink too much water and if you are getting up in the night to urinate often then ask your doctor for a diuretic which will reduce the overall body fluid in the body. You may want to look into the possibility of type 2 diabetes. Hope this helps. Hang in there it gets better.
      p.s. I am awake by choice as i was off yesterday catnapping all day in the rainy weather. Just so you don't ask yourself, Why is he not asleep then?" LOL

19. QUESTION:
    Can a person bring a sleep apnea machine aboard an airplane when flying internationally?
    I have sleep apnea and use a sleep apnea breathing machine when sleeping (no oxygen) with a mask and distilled water. When travelling on an airplane internationally can I bring it with me so it is with me at the other country when I get there?

    • ANSWER:
      Hello !

      I know that most personnel at security checkpoints in airports are familiar with CPAP machines. t's advisable to carry along your prescription and/or statement of medical necessity from your physician so that you can demonstrate the need for your CPAP machine.

      I found from different sources that many CPAP users report no problems getting through the X-ray machine and passing the subsequent explosives and chemical tests, while others are forced to check their CPAP machines because they don't pass the X-ray check.

      My recommendation would therefore be to expect to be able to take your CPAP machine on an airplane with you, but don't be surprised if you end up having to check it. And don't forget your prescription from your doctor!

      Good luck!

20. QUESTION:
    What are some treatments for sleep apnea?
    My boyfriend has sleep apnea and snores. It has gotten progressively worse. I am not sure what to do. it seems when i elbow him, he stops temporarily but not long enough for me to fall alseep. It is often so back that it not only prevents me from sleeping but, once i fall asleep, it wakes me up again. HELP!

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea should be diagonsed from a reputable sleep clinic. There may be another reason for his snoring such as weight etc.
      The usual treatment is sleeping with a positive air flow machine (I think it is called Cpac. If he stops breathing his oxygen level goes down and it can be a very dangerous health condition. Have him see a Dr. that specializes in sleep problems.

21. QUESTION:
    How can you tell if you have sleep apnea?
    I have serious sleeping problems. I'm ALWAYS tired and usually sleep through the alarm, and when I wake up, I don't even feel "awake." I think I might have sleep apnea, but how can I know for sure? Do I just film myself sleeping?

    • ANSWER:
      I think it would be helpful to film yourself sleeping. Don't make the mistake of trying to hold the camera yourself though. You will need a tripod.

22. QUESTION:
    Can you till if you have sleep apnea with a tape recorder?
    I had a tape recorder running last night while I was sleeping to see if I snored & I did. Should I have been able to tell if i had sleep apnea with a recorder?

    • ANSWER:
      yes, you should be able to tell with that, but you might not have a severe condition, so you might not do it every night... also some people only do it once a night, and i doubt your going to want to listen to a complete tape of you sleeping!!

23. QUESTION:
    what is sleeping apnea and what are the symptoms?

    • ANSWER:
      Central sleep apnea is a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by changes in ventilatory drive without airway obstruction; most of these conditions cause asymptomatic changes in breathing pattern during sleep.
      Obstructive sleep apnea consists of episodes of partial or complete closure of the upper airway that occur during sleep and lead to breathing cessation (defined as a period of apnea > 10 sec). Symptoms include restlessness, snoring, recurrent awakening, morning headache, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Diagnosis is based on sleep history, and polysomnography. Treatment is with nasal continuous positive airway pressure, oral appliances, and, in refractory cases, surgery. Prognosis is good with treatment. Most cases remain undiagnosed and untreated and are often associated with hypertension, heart failure, and injury or death from motor vehicle crashes and other accidents resulting from hypersomnolence.
      Obstructive sleep apnea in children is episodes of partial or complete closure of the upper airway that occur during sleep and lead to breathing cessation. Symptoms include snoring and sometimes restless sleep, nocturnal sweating, and morning headache. Complications may include growth disturbance, cor pulmonale, pulmonary hypertension, and learning or behavioral disturbances. Diagnosis is by polysomnography. Treatment is usually adenotonsillectomy.

24. QUESTION:
    I have sleep apnea and bipolar depression. Will correcting the apnea improve the depression?
    I have bipolar, although it's mild I think. I frequently go back and forth between depressed and normal. I also have obstructive sleep apnea and have always had trouble sleeping. I'm having my tonsils out in 3 months to correct the problem. Will alleviating the apnea help stabilize my moods as well?

    • ANSWER:
      Probably not. Bipolar is caused by an imbalance of norepinephrine. You might get better sleep and that could help you feel better. I would talk to your doctor about your depression. Have you ever been diagnosed with bipolar? Because you need to have had a manic or hypomanic episode to be considered bipolar. I think you might just have depression. Bipolar isn't between normal and sad, it's between manic, normal, mixed, and depression. Talk to a doctor and get some professional help.

25. QUESTION:
    Does your employer violate hippa by telling an employee that you were suspended due to sleep apnea?
    I have sleep apnea that causes daytime drowsiness. I was suspended for this reason. My employer told another employee I was suspended for sleeping on the job. Does this violate Hippa since it is medically related?

    • ANSWER:
      "Joe was suspended for sleeping on the job" is perfectly legal.

      "Joe suffers from sleep apnea" *may* be a HIPPA violation depending on how he found out.

      Edit - jurydoc is partly wrong, which is why I said "depending on how he found out'. If your employer wholly or partly funds your medical insurance, and you were required to tell him about your condition as part of the insurance claim, then he IS covered by HIPAA. He 'may' also become HIPAA covered merely by 'requiring' you to tell him what is wrong with you in order to grant sick leave.

      HIPAA is still new law, and is constantly evolving as the courts interpret it.

      Richard

26. QUESTION:
    Need an alternate medicine for obtructive sleep apnea apart from surgery?
    My wife is suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, her upper airways both through nose and throat narrowed and her oxigen rate while sleeping comes down drastically to 40%. Suggested surgery but not cooperative. Asks for homeo medicine. Snores loudly, with abdominal breathing. Any suggestion for curing through homeopathy or some alternate medicine is welcome

    • ANSWER:
      PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN CONSIDERING THE OTHER ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTION. They may be life threatening.

      Sleep apnea is a potentially life threatening disrorder. Sleep apnea is associated with increased risk of stroke, heart attack, deadly heart rhythms and other problems.

      Treatment for sleep apnea, as with other potentially deadly disorders, should be based on REAL science. Alternative medicine might not be harmful when used for less dangerous disorders. But when it comes to deadly disorders, only proven treatments should be used......and, yes, I do believe in some 'alternative' therapies like accupuncture and others for some disorders.....

      But...for sleep apnea, treatment should be limited to scientifically proven methods (proved by REAL scientists in REAL universities).

      The accepted treatments for sleep apnea include: CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure), weight loss, oral appliance (mouthpiece made BY DENTIST), and oral surgery.

      That is IT. Those ARE the proven methods for treating sleep apnea.

      There are other advertised treatments for sleep apnea (nose strips, magnets, sprays, homeopathy, sound devices, hypnosis, voodoo)....None of them have been demonstrated to be effective in REPRODUCIBLE studies....that means that scientists from different labs were not able to get the same results as the individuals who made the claim....

      So please be careful. Doctors may not know everything in medicine....but they know a lot more than general public about these disorders.

      Good luck.
      For more info on sleep apnea, go to American Sleep Association:

      http://www.sleepassociation.org/

27. QUESTION:
    Sleep apnea and falling asleep quickly, then waking up and not being able to sleep again?
    I have sleep apnea (diagnosed in a sleep study). When I go to bed, I can fall asleep very quickly, but then I wake up. And after I wake up, then I can't fall asleep again for a long time.

    Does anyone else have this same problem? I can fall asleep very easily initially. But after I wake up again, then I have so much trouble sleeping.

    • ANSWER:
      You need to train your body how to get great sleep. You'll sleep deeper and longer once you take the proper steps.

      theres a good guide here:

      http://www.getbettersleeptonight.com

      that teaches natural sleep methods to get a great nights sleep.'

      worked great for me. tossing and turning sucks. good luck.

28. QUESTION:
    Will the army except you if you have sleep apnea?
    My boyfriend goes for his physical thursday. He has been diagnosed with sleep apnea. He snores and stops breathing most nights for short periods of time while sleeping. He is suppose to use something when he sleeps but has not for a while. Will the army except him if they know this? He does not plan to tell them either. Will they find out?

    • ANSWER:
      Unforgiven, that is not what sleep apnea is.

29. QUESTION:
    Do I have sleep apnea or should I stop smoking?
    I can get 10 hours of sleep and still feel very tired in the morning, come to think about it, I don't think I've woken up feeling refreshed in years. I had my tonsils out to prevent 'obstructive sleep apnea' and it has helped with sore throats but hasn't made my sleeping patterns any different. When I fall asleep, I stay asleep, rarely wake up and rarely move even though I am an extremely light sleeper always. I try to go to bed and wake up at the same times. It's like I'm exhausted every single evening from a normal day. Do I have sleep apnea or could it be caused by smoking cigarettes?

    • ANSWER:
      Could be both, easier/cheapest thing to do to get somewhat of an idea as to what is going on is to quit smoking and see if that makes a difference.

      I recently quit smoking and noticed a huge difference in breathing but has not helped my sleep apnea (still wake myself up snoring) but I do feel more refreshed on a daily basis.

      (I quit smoking with the laser procedure)

30. QUESTION:
    Is there a way I can test if I have sleep apnea without having a sleep study?
    I suspect I have it, as I have the symptoms of it. But I think my classmates would have said if I stopped breathing while sleeping in class (I was always sleeping almost all day, every day in school). Which is why I lost my place in school.

    So, is there any way I can test If I have sleep apnea without having a sleep study? or any similar sleep disorders?

    • ANSWER:
      Essentially, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a medical diagnosis. In consequence, your analysis for this sleeping disorder would need to be confirmed by a physician.

      Due to the critical nature of this malady, professional treatment is necessary as airway blockage can cause you to stop breathing for periods of up to 20 seconds at a time. This can occur as often as every few minutes throughout the entire night.

      Under normal conditions, the muscles found at the back of your throat continually hold your airway open so air can get to your lungs. These muscles relax somewhat as you sleep. Yet, if your airway is markedly narrow, these muscles can actually block your airway when they relax.
      Typically, symptoms such as mood changes, depression, irritability, sudden waking from sleep, shortness of breath, waking with a dry mouth or sore throat, morning headaches, chronic loud snoring, and possibly memory problems, remain common in OSA.

      The following scale is employed to determine likelihood of OSA. Take the test and see where you fall in the probability ranking.

      The Epworth Sleepiness Scale

      How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the situations described below under normal circumstances (i.e., excluding times of over-exertion and sleep deprivation)?
      Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation:
      0 = Would never doze
      1 = Slight chance of dozing
      2 = Moderate chance of dozing
      3 = High probability of dozing

      Situation (rate each on a scale of 0-3)
      •sitting and reading
      •watching TV
      •sitting, inactive, in a public place (i.e., theatre or meeting)
      •as a car passenger without a break for an hour
      •lying down to rest in the afternoon as circumstances permit
      •sitting and talking to someone
      •sitting quietly after lunch (without alchohol)
      •in a car, driving, but while stopped for a few minutes in traffic

      If your points total 10 or more, you are considered borderline sleep-deprived. If 12 or higher, you should seek medical attention immediately.

31. QUESTION:
    What should I do about sleep apnea?
    I have mild sleep apnea and I have tried every kind of cpap mask there is, but I can't sleeping with one on. Are there any other options besides a cpap?

    • ANSWER:
      There's oral appliances that push your lower jaw forward and keep your airway open. Try the link below..

      http://www.ihatecpap.com/oral_appliance.html

      Hope this helps.

32. QUESTION:
    Can sleep apnea cause people to not sleep at all?
    i know someone that has sleep apnea and can hardly ever fall asleep. we have been wondering if sleep apnea can cause not being able to shut off and go to sleep or if it's more serious such as a brain tumor. also seroquel and other sleeping meds aren't helping her fall asleep so please tell me what should be done.

    • ANSWER:
      I had sleep apnea when my nostrils and neck are very clogged up. This means that whenever I had sinusitis or pneumonia(sinusitis and pneumonia go hand in hand it seems) I'd always have sleep apnea for a few seconds. Hell, even minor irritation on my neck can cause this. You should possibly go to a doctor and see if this has anything to do with that. Maybe he has polyps or some sort of benign mucus tumor.

      Usually, brain tumors are a rare diagnosis and most of the symptoms can be explained and linked to other problems. However, if you suspect a brain tumor and the tests your doctor recommended came out normal then you should talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting an MRI.

33. QUESTION:
    Sleep apnea due to enlarged tonsils and adnoids?
    My daughter is 2 years old. She has obstructive sleep apnea due to her very large tonsils and adnoids. We are waiting for her surgery date and just recently got released from hospital from apnea attack.
    Could this kill her? I am so worried and want them to do the surgery now with this happening could she stop breathing all together while sleeping?

    • ANSWER:
      Josephine, if your child has sleep apnea, then she is in danger. She may stop breathing in sleep, but you need to sleep with her in case she needed to wake her up to start breathing again.

      Since a child is unaware of his breathing problems in the night, a parent's effort to help his child is crucial. Also, you need to pay attention to her symptoms of sleep apnea, such as:

      * snoring

      * noisy breathing and mouth breathing

      * brief period of no breathing

      * restless sleep, including turning and tossing

      * sleeping in odd positions

      * irritability, frustration, hyperactivity and aggresivity

      * difficulty paying attention

      * daytime sleepiness and lethargy at obese children

      * poor performance at school, such as poor concentration, behavioral problems and lack of learning.

      * bed-wetting

      * morning headache

      * cardiovascular problems, such as abnormalities or arrhythmia

      A sleep apnea symptom, such as behavioral problems and poor concentration, can affect a child for the rest of his life. Therefore, you should act immediately in treating sleep apnea, if your child has this disorder.

      I hope it helps!

34. QUESTION:
    Are there any electric providers in Texas that provide reduced rates for people with" sleep apnea"?
    Sleep apnea is a disease that requires the use of an electrical device to provide "constant positive air pressure" (CPAP) in order to breath while sleeping. The device providing the air, hoses, masks, etc.are very expensive and require periodic replacement. A users electric bill can be severely impacted when using a CPAP system.

    • ANSWER:
      Not really, the machine doesn't use that much energy itself and it's only used a few hours at night.

35. QUESTION:
    Where can I find more information about the use of CHIP UP on APNEA during the sleeping?

    • ANSWER:
      The best sources of info on any medical disorders
      from A - V ( apnea to viral infections) would be the
      websites medicine.net and webmd.com -- both of
      which offer free email newsletters.

      Best of health & luck.

36. QUESTION:
    Is It Sleep Apnea I Took 2 Test Both Normal Also Been Suffering From Anxiety Please Help Urgent?
    On the Onset of sleeping just as I hit the sleep mode when im unaware that im asleep i hop up out my bed gasping for air with a flutter in my chest then a little afterward I get chest pains.

    I took ekg ecg and blood flow test everything normal and i also took too sleep apnea test that were normal but why do i still get these things?

    • ANSWER:
      Negative emotions (like sadness, stress, anger, etc.) causes your Serotonin production to be low; when your Serotonin level is low, you are more prone to getting Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Depression, etc.

      Medication like Antidepressants (SSRI - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) helps to boost Serotonin level.
      But there are natural ways to do it without medication. There's this strange herb called "St John's Wort" - it is said to be more effective than Prozac. No, it is not for mild depression only and ignore those sayings. In fact, it does help anxiety and panic-attacks as St John's Wort works like prozac. Other natural ways will be exercise, diet, more exposure to light, etc.

      The problem is that, even if your Serotonin is balanced... you have that "learned behavior" in your mind. You need to break that initial cycle to destroy that learned behavior - Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) does this. A technique that you can use without CBT will be Distraction... There are several other techniques to help cope them!
      Ok, to use Distraction: Firstly, try to....

      Extracted from Source.

37. QUESTION:
    Are their any things you can do for sleep apnea, before any sleep study?
    My son is having trouble with his sleeping and I believe it might be sleep apnea. We will get him a sleep study soon but he is struggling to sleep at night and at times even has seizures in his sleep. He is on seizure medication, but I am starting to believe it may be more because of the sleep apnea. Are their any things we can do to help him sleep better at night, before our sleep study. I am not talking about the machines, just some tricks of the trade that may make him sleep better and then my wife and I can sleep better. He is only 4 and has all the signs of sleep apnea. We will not know this though for a little while until the study. Any ideas?

    • ANSWER:
      Look up sleep hygiene tips to make sure he is practicing them first off. Second, keep him off his back. If he sleeps on his back, he'll be more likely to stop breathing bc/ gravity will be putting more pressure on his airway. If he can't stop sleeping on his back by himself, try putting rolled up socks or a couple of tennis balls into a long tube sock and tying it around his waist so that the balls are pressed against his back that way, it will be uncomfortable for him to sleep on his back and he'll train himself to sleep on his side. If this sounds rediculous, the best thing to do is to keep his head and neck elevated (from the shoulders, so his chin is kept level away from his neck). either allow him to sleep in a reclining chair, or get a wedge pillow. This will help him breath better at night. Hope it helps!

38. QUESTION:
    Is sleep apnea a condition your born with or can u develop it?
    I used to sleep through the night without waking up most of the time. Now I wake up maybe 3 or 4 times a night. I never get restful sleep. I also experience a lot of sleep paralysis. Could this be linked to sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      What Is Sleep Apnea? Are you feeling sleepy all the time? Do you snore? Is your doctor having a difficult time treating your high blood pressure? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then you might have Sleep Apnea (also called Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA).

      Sleep Apnea is a condition involving pauses or decreases in breathing during sleep. It is usually due to airway collapse. This collapse occurs in the nose and/or the throat - anywhere from where air enters the nostrils to the back of the tongue. Imagine a straw collapsing when trying to suck on a thick milkshake. Frequently, this airway collapsibility problem is inherited and starts in childhood. In the daytime, it is not a problem because there is good muscle-tone in the airway and the brain monitors breathing. But at night, the throat muscles become relaxed and the brain is not as attentive to the airway. So on inhalation, the airway walls can either completely collapse or significantly narrow. This is a problem because 1) the body must struggle to breathe and 2) the brain has to 'wake up' to reopen the airway.

      These frequent awakenings lead to fragmentation of nighttime sleep. You may not remember them because they are so short. In fact, patients with sleep apnea can wake-up more than 30 times an hour and think that they slept uninterrupted through the night. Since sleep must be continuous and consolidated in order to be restorative, a number of cognitive problems can occur with sleep fragmentation: daytime sleepiness, memory problems, concentration difficulties, emotional instability, irritability, slowed reaction time, and most importantly, an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents.

      There are also cardiovascular consequences of this constant 'struggling to breathe.' This puts a strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

      Finally, there are social implications to Sleep Apnea. The snoring associated with sleep apnea can disrupt the sleep of others. In fact, one study showed that when a person treats his/her sleep apnea, the sleep partner gets the equivalent of one hour more sleep per night.

      Sleep apnea is a progressive disease and often gets worse with age. Weight gain, alcohol, and other sedating/relaxing substances exacerbate it.

      Who Gets Sleep Apnea?

      A common misconception is that only overweight men that snore loudly have sleep apnea, but the facts are:

      1) Sleep apnea can occur without snoring
      2) Thin people can have sleep apnea
      3) Women can have sleep apnea
      4) Children can have sleep apnea

      In other words, anyone can have it. Even skinny women. Even children.

      I Think I Might Have Sleep Apnea, How Do I Find Out If I Have It?

      Make an appointment with your primary care physician, or if your insurance allows it, go straight to a sleep specialist. If your physician thinks you might have sleep apnea, then he/she can refer you for a sleep study or comprehensive sleep evaluation.

      How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

      There are four main categories of treatment for sleep apnea: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Surgery, Oral Appliances, and Behavioral Modification.

      The most effective way to treat sleep apnea is with CPAP. CPAP is a mask worn over the nose attached by a hose to an air compressor. The air compressor gently and quietly blows room-air into the nose, which 'stents' the airway open, preventing airway collapse. This is the most effective way to treat sleep apnea, and all patients diagnosed with sleep apnea should at least try it before considering other options.

      Surgery can be an effective way to treat sleep apnea. A number of different procedures can be performed. These range from nasal septum repair to jaw reconstruction. Talk to your doctor about whether surgery is the right option for you.

      An oral appliance is a device made by a dentist or an orthodontist designed to pull your lower jaw forward. By pulling your lower jaw forward, the tongue is pulled away from the back of the throat. If your airway obstruction is occurring behind the tongue, then this can be an effective way to treat your sleep apnea. The treatment of sleep apnea with oral appliance should be a coordinated effort between the sleep physician, the dentist/orthodontist, and the patient.

      Behavioral modifications can help in the treatment of sleep apnea, but are usually the least effective. These include such techniques as weight loss, sleeping on your side, and avoiding alcohol before bedtime.

      None of these treatment options is ideal, but they all can be useful in treating sleep apnea and resulting in more restful sleep. With risks like heart attack and stroke, you should do everything you can to get your sleep apnea under control. If you think you have sleep apnea, contact your doctor or go to a sleep center. It could be the best decision you ever made.
      By: Scott Fromherz
      Ar

39. QUESTION:
    Does sleep apnea ever go away completely?
    Husband was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2006. He lost 80 pounds,hd his oxygen checked weekly and stopped using cpap because he felt he was cured. He has gained some weight back and complains about not sleeping well.

    • ANSWER:
      no. once you get diagnosed- you have to follow all the recommendations- sleep apnea is for life.

40. QUESTION:
    How can you get a sleep apnea test done without any insurance?
    My fiance has sleep apnea and needs a sleep test done so that he can get the machine to help make it better. He has no insurance as he is out of work. We have been trying to find free sleep tests in Ohio but have had no luck.

    • ANSWER:
      alot of medical research companies have free testing for certain types of illnesses. Go to the NIH website. That is National Institue of Health. Or contact a medical school or a University hospital associated with one.

41. QUESTION:
    I have sleep apnea,bi polar,personality disorder just put in a appeal with si am I wasting my time?
    I just received my 1st denial letter from ssi. Do you think I have a chance with sleep apnea,bi polar, personality disorder, panic attacks and I receive lots of meds for these conditions.

    • ANSWER:
      Can"t say if your wasting your time or not, however I do know that SSI ALWAYS denies you the first time around. Its procedural. My Father In Law suffered a massive stroke and through the process I found out that they always do that.

42. QUESTION:
    What do you know about sleep apnea surgeries?
    I hate the mask (as many people do). I have severe obstructive sleep apnea. I am considering surgical options but I've been told the only one that may work for me is the mandibular advancement (when they break your jaw and move it forward). Has anyone had this before? What were your experiences? Did it work? Do you know of any other surgery that may help? Oral appliances?

    • ANSWER:
      I had a mandibular advancement back in the day when they still wired your mouth shut for 6 weeks. (Many surgeons now opt for a screw and plate closure along with tight rubber bands that allow more mouth movement and a little more eating options!)

      I did have about a year of orthodontics before I could have it done, incidentally, so it was not a quick fix by any means.

      The surgery itself sounded far worse than it actually was. The most pain I had was like a dull headache in my jaw area. Pain management was not a problem at all. I did miss eating what I wanted and lost significant weight. (What I would do to have that happen now!!!) I missed yawning the most, though!

      It did fix my sleep apnea completely. I have never even snored since. It was well worth it for me.

      My 5 year old had tonsils and adenoids removed for the same reason (sleep apnea) with good results as well. I had previously had that surgery, and it was much more painful than the mandibular advancement.

      I hope this helps! Best of luck to you!

43. QUESTION:
    How well does a tonsillectomy cure sleep apnea?
    I have sleep apnea and have a tonsillectomy scheduled for later this year. How well does this fix sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      Tonsillectomies alone do not 'cure' sleep apnea. Surgical remedies for sleep apnea usually are for those patients that do not respond well to other treatments, usually surgery is a last resort.

      The correct term for the surgery is called a Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, it removes parts or all of the uvula, soft palate, tonsils, adenoids, and pharynx. Its success rate is about 50%. Basically its a coin flip.

      The tonsillectomy could work, only if its enlarged. Same goes with the other parts that I listed above. The enlarged tissue(s) tend to obstruct your airway when you sleep, especially when you lie on your back.

      I would recommend getting a second opinion and see if your doctor would recommend a sleep study performed on you. Also check with your insurance if it is covered.

      Usually, sleep apnea can be resolved with diet and treatment using a CPAP machine (Continous Positive Airway Pressure). It can significantly improve your sleep.

      Good luck and have a good night's sleep!

44. QUESTION:
    What is the best solution for sleep apnea?
    I have sleep apnea but Im sure i do not want to use a c-pap or an a-pap machine. Just looking for the next best solution.

    • ANSWER:
      Someone else already said it, but it should be repeated. Get the CPAP.

      I never thought I would be able to sleep with one. For about a year I told myself that it would not help me sleep, that it would make it more difficult for my wife to sleep, that it would be uncomfortable...

      The very first night I used CPAP it felt a little akward, but by the end of the first week ALL of my symptoms had disappeared. It has been three years now and I have no more headaches, no more muscle cramps, no more waking up several times a night with horrible heartburn or horrible sweating. My blood pressure and cholesterol have returned to normal. In one week I went from a 25 year old in danger of having a heart attack to a well rested guy who can just enjoy life again. I cannot even begin to explain how much better you will feel.

      Get the CPAP and try it for a week. Just 7 days. If you can't do it, talk to your doctor. There is a surgical procedure that can reduce apnea, however less then 30% of the people who have it see any significant change and most people must have the surgury repeated throughout their lives to stay symptom free.

      Most importantly, do not ignore this condition. If you do you will continue to gain weight, the headaches will get worse. Your blood pressure will continue to skyrocket. You will develop holes in your stomach and esophogus from the acid. You will have a potentially fatal heart attack. Left untreated and supervised by a doctor this condition will kill you.

      Get the CPAP.

45. QUESTION:
    Is sleep apnea considered a pre-existing condition that is not covered by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield?
    I am considering switching insurance during open enrollment to CareFirst, from Kaiser. I have sleep apnea and am on a CPAP machine. Is this considered a pre-existing condition that would nto be covered, or can it be transferred to the new insurance as durable medical equipment?

    I am waiting on an answer from CareFirst, but need to make a decision by next week.

    • ANSWER:
      The only time you should be penalized for a pre-existing condition is if their is a gap in your coverage. If there's a period in between switching ins where you do NOT have coverage then yes sleep apnea is a pre- existing diagnosis. Most of the time you will have to provide documentation to your new isns company that you have not had a gap in coverage.
      You sould be okay to switch.

46. QUESTION:
    What else can a sleep apnea test tell you about your health?
    Went to a sleep apnea test. What else can Physicians tell about such a test. I was hocked up to about 36 different electro cables.
    Thanks. I looked very funny after being hocked up to all these electrodes.
    Thanks. I looked very funny after being hocked up to all these electrodes.

    • ANSWER:
      A polysonogram or sleep study can identify about 80 plus different sleep disoders. Sleep apnea is by far the most common. It can tell if you have any siezures or brain wave abnormalities from the EEG They can tell if you have any heart rythm abnormalities from the EKG. The leg wires are EMG and they can tell if you have restless leg syndrome. The wire on your finger can tell what your oxygen level is all night. Other wires include the snore microphone, flow sensor (in the nose), the face electrodes are generally EMG wires. They can tell when you are in REM. The belts around the chest are to show respiratory and abdominal effort. It helps to determine if you have central sleep apnea vs. obstructive sleep apnea.

      Hope this helps

47. QUESTION:
    Is it possible that sleep apnea may contribute to night leg cramps?
    70 year old, male with night cramps approximately 5 hours after falling asleep. He appears to have sleep apnea that is untreated at this time. Takes Prednisone, blood pressure medicine and Crestor. Could the sleep apnea contribute to the leg cramps?

    • ANSWER:
      I battled for over 10 years with what I now know was untreated sleep apnea, and never suffered from leg cramps. I am not 70 years old though. I would ask his primary doctor, remember that doctors do not offer opinions on forums like these, at least not officially.

      Now since I have treated my sleep apnea and use the cpap and have taken my share of sleep apnea tests, I can tell you that I have had a few leg cramps in the last few months or so. Leg cramps can be dehydration or any other ailment. Have a sleep study done, and I am sure that so many other symptoms may disappear.

      Some of the symptoms that I did have from sleep apnea were, high blood pressure, loss of hair in my lower legs due to poor circulation and air flow, heart burn and acid reflux, and a slew of other stuff, that have hence disappeared and rectified themselves.

48. QUESTION:
    Can a sleep apnea test be dangerous for a 92 year old woman?
    My mom is 92 and going to take a sleep apnea test tomorrow night. She is not in great health.

    • ANSWER:
      A sleep apnea test cannot be harmful - the test itself is just a sleep study, they put some stickers on you and these give information to a computer. It's easy. The only possible reason it could be detrimental is if she is stressed out.

      If she's reasonably healthy and calm it will all be OK

49. QUESTION:
    What is sleep apnea and how is it diagnosed in children?
    My daughter wakes up every morning at 4am she is 1 and a half someone has suggested to me that it could be sleep apnea. What are the symptoms of this and what is it? Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea is any period of time where ther is no breathing while asleep. Usuly the time period is a minimum 10 seconds.

      The most common kind of sleep apnea is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. It is characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction that occur during sleep, usually associated with a reduction in blood oxygen saturation.

      symptoms:
      excessive daytime sleepiness
      frequent episodes of obstructed breathing during sleep. (The patient may be unaware of this symptom -- usually the parents are extremely aware of this).

      Associated features may include:
      snoring - loud, squeaky, raspy
      nocturnal snorting, gasping, choking (may wake self up)
      restless sleep
      heavy irregular breathing
      excessive perspiring during sleep
      severe bedwetting
      bad dreams (nightmares)
      night terrors
      sleeps with mouth open, causing a dry mouth upon awakening
      chest retraction during sleep in young children (chest pulls in)
      sleeps in strange positions
      confusion upon awakening
      morning headaches
      unrefreshing sleep
      excessive daytime sleepiness
      may develop high blood pressure
      may be overweight or underweight
      learning problems
      excessive irritability
      change in personality
      depression
      difficulty concentrating
      Developmental problems
      failure to thrive or grow
      frequent upper respiratory infections
      hyperactive behavior

      How serious is sleep apnea?
      It is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. The risks of undiagnosed obstructive in children with sleep apnea include learning problems, developmental problems, behavior problems and in some cases, failure to grow, heart problems and high blood pressure. In addition, obstructive sleep apnea causes daytime sleepiness that can result in personality changes, lost productivity in school and interpersonal relationship problems. A child with sleep apnea may lag behind in many areas of development. The child may become frustrated and depressed. The severity of the symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe.

      How does the doctor determine if my child has Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

      A sleep test, called polysomnography is usually done to diagnose sleep apnea. There are two kinds of polysomnograms. An overnight polysomnography test involves monitoring brain waves, muscle tension, eye movement, respiration, oxygen level in the blood and audio monitoring. (for snoring, gasping, etc.) The second kind of polysomnography test is a home monitoring test. A Sleep Technologist hooks your child up to all the electrodes and instructs you on how to record your child's sleep with a computerized polysomnograph that you take home and return in the morning. They are painless tests that are usually covered by insurance.

      How is Sleep Apnea treated?

      In children, simply removing the tonsils or adenoids may take care of the problem.

      Sleep Apnea in children where removing the tonsils or adenoids does not take care of the problem is usually treated with a C-PAP (continous positive airway pressure) or Bi-Level positive airway pressure. C-PAP is a machine that blows air into your nose via a nose mask, keeping the airway open and unobstructed. Bi-Level has an inspiratory pressure that is higher than the expiratory pressure. The sleep doctor will "prescribe" the pressure and a home healthcare company will set it up and provide training in its use and maintenance.

      When your child needs a machine, it can be quite intimidating. A C-PAP machine requires some care and a period of adjustment, but the benefits of C-PAP therapy are worth the inconvenience. C-PAP is NOT a venilator, it merely keeps the airway open so your child can breathe easily. It is not a complicated machine like some mentioned in the above link to kidshealth organization, nor do you have to worry about 24-hour nursing care or your child being in intensive care unless there are more complicated problems. A one night stay in a sleep clinic to monitor the child's breathing is generally all that is required. Here are some tips if your child comes home on a machine. A C-PAP machine may be "prescribed" for your child. A home healthcare company that contracts with your insurance will provide the machine and show you how it works and how to clean and maintain it.

      Find out about the different manufacturers who provide respiratory equipment for obstructive sleep apnea.

      Some children have facial deformities that may cause the sleep apnea. It simply may be that their jaw is smaller than it should be or they could have a smaller opening at the back of the throat. Some children have enlarged tonsils, a large tongue or some other tissues partially blocking the airway. Fixing a deviated septum may help to open the nasal passages. Removing the tonsils and adenoids or polyps may help also. Children are much more likely to have their tonsils and adenoids removed to solve the problem.

      The only available treatment for severe apnea until the early 1980's was a tracheostomy. A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure where a small hole is cut in the neck and a tube with a valve is inserted into the hole. During the day the valve is closed so the person can speak. At night, the valve is opened, thus avoiding the obstructions. This procedure is only used today as a last resort or to avoid respiratory distress, or other serious medical complications (Your child would have to be extremely sick to require this).

50. QUESTION:
    Is my sleep apnea the reason that my husband and I cannot conceive?
    We have tried for two years now, and still nothing. My period has been non-existent for about a year now. We are not using any birth control (obviously). My doctor says it's just because of my sleep apnea. I already have a son from a previous relationship. Any suggestions?
    I have a CPAP machine and have had it for about a month now.

    • ANSWER:
      FIRST OF ALL I AM NOT AN EXPERT ON FEMALE PROBLEMS, BUT SLEEP APNEA CAUSES MANY THINGS UP TO AND INCLUDING DEATH! SLEEP APNEA DISTURBS YOU WHILE YOU ARE SLEEPING, IN THAT YOU CANNOT GET WHAT IS CALLED "REM" OR TRUE SLEEP. IT IS WHERE THE BRAIN REALLY "UNWINDS", WITHOUT "REM" SLEEP ONE DOES NOT FEEL AT EASE! THINGS DO NOT FUNCTION ALL OVER THE BODY AS WELL, YOU SIMPLY ARE SLEEP DEPRIVED NO MATTER HOW MANY HOURS OF ACTUAL "SLEEP" YOU PUT IN!

      I ASSUME THAT YOU HAVE GONE TO A SLEEP CLINIC FOR THIS DIAGNOSIS? IF NOT YOU SHOULD GO FOR A TWO NIGHT STUDY, USUALLY SPACED SEVERAL WEEKS APART, TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT SPECIFICALLY IS DISTURBING YOUR SLEEP. MANY TIMES THERE ARE THINGS SUCH AS A TWITCHY LEG, WHICH CAN BE CURED WITH ONE PILL BEFORE BED, WHICH CAN ALSO DISTURB THIS "REM" SLEEP STATE.

      YOUR BODY SIMPLY CANNOT FUNCTION WITHOUT THIS DEEP STATE OF SLEEP, OVER ANY LONG PERIOD OF TIME WITHOUT SOME FORM OF NEGATIVE REACTION! YOUR BRAIN CONTROLS EVERYTHING, IF IT IS NOT WORKING RIGHT THEN ESSENTIALLY "YOU" ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY!

      SLEEP APNEA IS EASILY TREATED USING A DEVICE CALLED A CPAP! ALL IT DOES IS KEEP YOUR AIRWAYS OPEN WITH A SLIGHT POSITIVE AIR PRESSURE WHICH WAS DETERMINED AS IDEAL BY THE SLEEP LAB SESSION. IT TAKES TWO TO THREE WEEKS TO GET USED TO IT! BUT IT IS NOT AN OPTIONAL DEVICE. IT IS A PRESCRIBED MEDICAL THING, EXACTLY LIKE A MEDICATION, A PILL OR A SHOT FOR AN INFECTION ! YOU MUST USE IT IT WILL SAVE AND EXTEND YOUR LIFE!

      I PROMISE YOU THAT ONCE YOU GET USE TO IT YOU WILL FEEL MUCH BETTER!

      I AM A VERY HARD HEADED STUBBORN 61 YEAR OLD FOOL, I LIVED IN DENIAL THAT I HAD ANY PROBLEM AT ALL. MY WIFE WHO LOVES ME FORCED ME, I RESISTING THE WHOLE WAY, TO GO TO THE SLEEP CLINIC. I INITIALLY HATED THE "D#@N CPAM MACHINE". MY WIFE MADE ME USE IT AGAIN BECAUSE SHE WANTED ME TO CONTINUE TO LIVE! GUESS WHAT? SHORTLY I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE DARN THING AND NOW AFTER NEARLY TWO YEARS I STILL LOVE THE THING! I FEEL 20 YEARS YOUNGER AND LOST WEIGHT, THE THING WORKS!

      TRY TREATMENT FOR SLEEP APNEA IT WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE MUCH BETTER I SWEAR THAT TO YOU! EVERYTHING ELSE SHOULD WORK OUT!

      PLEASE DO IT!

      GOOD LUCK,

      APS